County Cup Final Report - Chipping Sodbury Vs Frocester @ County Ground Bristol
Article Date: 20th September 2010
After the rainy end to the season that affected Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club's promotion hopes, the dry weather on Saturday added to a positive feeling in the Sodbury camp ahead of the County Cup Final against Frocester at the County Ground, Bristol.
Chipping Sodbury hoped that they could achieve the perfect end to their 150th Anniversary year with a win in the cup final. Former Frocester player James Rendell won the toss for Chipping Sodbury and chose to bat on the same pitch that had hosted Gloucestershire v Surrey during the previous week.
A tight start from Frocester's opening bowlers Shackleton and Woodmason didn't make it easy for Sodbury openers Rendell and Jamie Wakefield, as Frocester kept tight control with only 40 runs coming off the first 18 overs. With the introduction of Towell came the first wicket as Rendell was given out LBW for 17.
The batting side got to 70 for the loss of only 2 wickets with Wakefield showing determination at the crease. Although 27 overs had already gone, having 8 wickets still in the locker could be crucial for Chipping Sodbury if they were going to threaten Frocester.
The spare supply of wickets was soon to dry up however, as the now infamous 'Sodbury Shuffle' reared its head one more time and Chipping Sodbury went from being 70 for 2, to 95 for 7, which included the wicket of opener Wakefield, this was soon to become 108 for 9.
James Hicks at number 8 hit a quick fire 29 from 23 balls, but when opener Shackleton returned it took only 1 ball to dismiss Hicks and wrap up the Sodbury innings. 125 from 42.1 overs with opener Wakefield top scoring with 32. The wickets were shared around with Ditchman standing out with 3 wickets for 29 from 8 overs.
The Frocester side who had already illustrated their strength with the ball, now looked to exude their authority with the bat, but Sodbury knew that anything was possible with runs on the board.
All-rounder Wakefield also opened the bowling for Chipping Sodbury with Jay Penfold, and claimed the early wicket of Robson in the 5th over, but with 126 required for victory more quick wickets were needed.
However they were not forthcoming and Frocester went onto 65 for 2 in the 14th over with opener Gegg knocking the ball around the county ground in what was looking like a comfortable run chase.
Chipping Sodbury under 15 Chris Willoughby showed why he was in the team as he removed Gegg (44) leaving Frocester on 82 for 3 in the 21st over, but with wickets and runs on the side of the batsmen, the victory target was not looking far away.
Frocester needed only 9 more overs as the talented young outfit passed Sodbury's total in the 30th over for the loss of 3 wickets. Ditchman ending the game with 32 not out.
A disappointed Sodbury team left the field knowing that their dream had ended, but were still well aware that getting to the final had been a great achievement. Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club could not have asked for much more than a County Ground appearance to end its 150th year of cricket.
Whatever the result Chipping Sodbury CC had planned a fitting end to its 150th year with a special party in a grand marquee back at their ground.
Youth and senior presentations took place for the 2010 cricket season, with Jamie Wakefield picking up the 1st XI Player of the Year award and Chris Willoughby the best 'Youth player in Senior Cricket' award.
CSCC captain James Rendell commented on the day's events, "We may have been defeated by 7 wickets, but everybody worked so hard. Fair play to all the guys who got us to the final because it was a fantastic achievement and a great end to the 150th year. The atmosphere there was amazing, every time the ball went over for 4 or we got a wicket, everyone went crazy, the support we had was fantastic. Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club take your hat off, it was a great effort."
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